Publications
Intangible cultural heritage complexes in China: Representation and restoration of pigmented reliefs in Kaiping Diaolou
Scientific analysis reveals the composition and durability of pigments used in the decorative art of Kaiping Diaolou. The study identifies green pigment as a mixture of colored copper arsenate minerals, red as hematite (Fe2O3), white as calcite, and blue as either lapis lazuli or synthetic ultramarine. Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy confirmed the pigments' structural similarities, while UV aging experiments demonstrated that antioxidants effectively inhibited degradation, reducing interface cracking. Tensile tests showed optimal bond stress at 0.193 MPa under specific humidity and temperature conditions. These findings provide a robust scientific basis for pigment restoration in Kaiping Diaolou and offer valuable insights for conserving similar historical architectural decorations.
Research on the residential buildings forms of kaiping diaolou and villages in guangdong province
Kaiping Diaolou and Villages in Guangdong Province exemplify a harmonious fusion of Western and Chinese architectural styles, characterized by intricate spatial layouts and decorative patterns. This study reveals that the forms and patterns of residential buildings in these villages are interrelated and complementary, forming a cohesive whole. The research employed documentary analysis and rooting theory to examine 10 traditional residential buildings, focusing on facades, internal furniture, and decorative motifs. Key architectural elements such as auspicious symbols were extracted, leading to the identification of 'patterns integration' as a defining feature. This approach highlights the cultural significance and aesthetic coherence of Kaiping Diaolou's architecture.
Perceived Authenticity and Place Attachment: New Findings from Chinese World Heritage Sites
Research at UNESCO World Heritage Sites Kaiping Diaolou and Villages, and the Old Town of Lijiang reveals that tourists' perceived authenticity significantly influences their emotional connection to a place. Unlike prior assumptions, the study found that both architectural and intangible heritage elements shape different aspects of place attachment, which in turn strongly impacts loyalty. This mediation effect provides new insights into how authenticity fosters long-term visitor engagement. The findings challenge conventional understandings and offer actionable strategies for heritage management and marketing.
Perceived value of, and experience with, a World Heritage Site in China—the case of Kaiping Diaolou and villages in China
A study on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kaiping Diaolou and Villages (China) reveals that tourists' satisfaction and intention to revisit are significantly influenced by multiple perceived values, including social, emotional, brand, functional, and monetary. These factors collectively shape visitors' experiences and behavioral intentions, validating a multidimensional model of perceived value in ancient village contexts. The research, based on a survey of 617 visitors, contributes to the understanding of how diverse values interact to enhance tourism outcomes at culturally rich heritage sites.
Communicating the outstanding universal value of World Heritage in China? The tour guides’ perspective
Tour guides at Kaiping Diaolou and Villages often emphasize the human and cultural significance of the site over its material attributes, creating a sense of "Chineseness" that resonates with domestic tourists. This approach contrasts with the Eurocentric focus on materiality outlined in the site's Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). The study, based on participant observations and interviews, reveals that heritage value construction is a dynamic process involving multiple stakeholders—national and local governments, experts, and guides—who shape the narrative to balance national identity with regional distinctiveness. This co-constructive process highlights how local interpretations can enhance the attractiveness of World Heritage Sites while reflecting broader cultural narratives.
Impacts of the World Heritage List Inscription: A Case Study of Kaiping Diaolou and Villages in China
The World Heritage List (WHL) inscription of Kaiping Diaolou and Villages in China has demonstrated both positive and negative impacts across socioeconomic domains. The study found that while the inscription significantly improved cultural cognition, community cohesion, infrastructure, tourism development, villagers' income, environmental awareness, and government leadership, it also led to slight damage to the community's cultural environment, unequal income distribution, and increased environmental damage due to tourist influx. The research constructed a theoretical framework to evaluate these impacts, analyzing factors such as property rights, community participation, and planning. It provides actionable suggestions for future heritage site management.
Where to Preserve? Evaluating the Integrity Principle for Delineating Protection Scopes of Kaiping Diaolou and Villages
Current preservation efforts at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kaiping Diaolou and Villages may be overlooking critical aspects of cultural value. A quantitative study reveals that existing protection scopes fail to account for the defensive spatial organization of diaolous—multi-story tower dwellings—and their architectural diversity, which are integral to their historical significance. Researchers analyzed 1629 diaolous using GIS-based methods, categorizing them into four defensive region types through principal component and clustering analysis. The findings underscore the need for protection scopes that prioritize both functional distribution and typological integrity, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to heritage conservation.
Place construction in the context of world heritage tourism: the case of ‘KaipingDiaolouand Villages’
Heritage tourism in Kaiping has transformed the Diaolou into a highly symbolized local icon, yet this process lacks authentic representation of local cultural connotations. While government-led initiatives have established 'Diaolou Country' as a dominant image, it fails to resonate with residents or fully capture the site's heritage significance. Tourism consumption further distances the Diaolou from its original place identity, shaping it into a hollowed-out landscape that accommodates external narratives rather than preserving local meaning. The study highlights the need for deeper integration of heritage tourism development with local communities to fulfill its potential in place construction and cultural representation.
Exploring Conservation and Development Strategies for Architectural Heritage：A Case Study from Paris Hotel in Kaiping, Guangdong
A balanced adaptive reuse strategy for architectural heritage can effectively preserve cultural significance while fostering local economic development, as demonstrated by the case study of Paris Hotel in Kaiping. The research highlights that integrating conservation efforts with tourism and economic growth is crucial to prevent structural damage or over-commercialization, common issues faced by UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Kaiping Diaolou and Villages. By analyzing the challenges and potential solutions for Paris Hotel, the study provides a practical model for heritage management that maintains the rustic beauty and historical value of such sites while supporting sustainable tourism.
The culture of the Lu Mansion architecture in China's Kaiping County, 1900-1949
Kaiping County, Guangdong Province, China, is renowned for its unique architectural landscape shaped by the overseas Chinese diaspora during 1900-1949. This study reveals that the 'lu mansion,' a hybrid of traditional and Western architectural elements, emerged as a response to socio-historical forces, particularly the return of affluent overseas Chinese seeking comfort and prestige. Unlike other local structures like 'diaolou,' lu mansions featured larger living spaces, superior ventilation, advanced drainage systems, and decorative elements, reflecting their owners' wealth and cultural aspirations. The research highlights how these mansions, rooted in the traditional Lingnan two-bay three-corridor village house form, became a symbol of social status and identity during a transformative period. By analyzing architectural evolution and its socio-cultural context, this study provides insight into the interplay between vernacular design and human conditions.
World Heritage and Chinese diaspora: Kaiping Diaolou and Villages, China
Kaiping Diaolou and Villages exemplify the cultural and architectural legacy of the Chinese diaspora. The study highlights how these structures, primarily built by overseas Chinese for both defensive and commercial purposes, reflect the economic and social dynamics of the late Qing and early Republic periods (1840–1937). Research focuses on the diaolou's role as symbols of wealth, status, and community cohesion, while also analyzing their architectural evolution influenced by Western and local styles. The approach combines historical analysis with field surveys to interpret these sites' cultural significance, offering insights into the broader narrative of Chinese diaspora identity and heritage preservation.
The impacts of tourism at a UNESCO heritage site in China – a need for a meta-narrative? The case of the Kaiping Diaolou
Tourism at the Kaiping Diaolou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in China, presents a unique model for sustainable development that balances economic growth with cultural preservation and agricultural continuity. Unlike other rural Chinese heritage sites, Kaiping demonstrates how tourism can foster entrepreneurial activities while maintaining traditional farming practices, creating a 'new tourism rich' class that employs others to sustain agriculture. This study, based on interviews and surveys, highlights differences in tourism impacts compared to similar sites like Hungcun and Bao Village, emphasizing the potential for glocalization as a response to globalization. It also contrasts Western and Chinese perspectives on heritage tourism, cultural change, and commodification, offering insights into holistic approaches for sustainable tourism development.
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